The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is crucial when it comes to HVAC and cooling systems. It will allow you to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies have a maintenance plan that allows you to pay an annual fee to have the system inspected and cleaned, or repaired as needed.
It’s also recommended to do some DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around outdoor units free of any debris to ensure the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils of your air conditioner condenser are at the heart the cooling process. If they’re dirty, you system will struggle to cool and could even breakdown. Cleaning them is an essential component of HVAC maintenance. Fortunately, it is also fairly easy to do. This easy DIY task will help you save money, avoid costly repairs and prolong the life of your air conditioner.
It is vital to cut off power from your unit before you disconnect it. This can be accomplished by shutting off the breaker in your electrical box or at the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and other electrical components from becoming oversaturated when cleaning.
Once the power is off, you can begin to clear any large debris blocking the air condenser unit. This means sweeping up any sticks, leaves or other debris that has been accumulating on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with a crevice tool is a great way to get into the crevices, nooks and remove dust or dirt that has built up.
Next, it is time to clean the coils. Before you do this, though, make sure you have several essential tools. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates as well as a pump-up garden sprayer and the garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the label of the product and then rinse using the hose. When washing the coils it is essential not to use too much force as the fins are easily bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, you should look them over for any indications of damage. Over time hail or stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other items can damage the coil’s fins. Fin combs are a great way to straighten bent fins for improved airflow and coil performance.
When the fins and coils are in good shape, you can go back to your home and start your air conditioning. After approximately 24 hours, you should check the thermostat and ensure that the temperature is normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works to bring air from outside into your home, then cool it and then distribute it throughout the house. Air is moved from the evaporator inside your condenser unit to your home’s registers, vents, and registers by a system of ducts. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they can be laden with dust and other pollutants. This can block the air filters which reduces system efficiency and strains your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork can be an extremely difficult job that requires expert equipment and methods. However, there are a few things you can do on a regular basis to ensure your ducts are in good condition and function properly. To avoid dust and allergens from building up in the ducts, change your filter frequently. This will also help to prevent clogging, which can cause a decrease in efficiency and higher energy costs.
Another way to keep your ducts clean is to regularly cleaning the area around vent openings. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will remove all the cobwebs, crumbs and other debris that has built up over time. This will increase the flow of air through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are tightly sealed and insulated to keep out moisture, which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts are not cleaned regularly, they could build up a myriad of contaminants like dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues, particularly in the elderly and children. The moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, which releases microbes that can harm people suffering from respiratory issues.
It is recommended to clean your ducts every three to five years to get rid of these toxins and ensure that your HVAC system is functioning efficiently. However If your ducts are sealed and you clean your filters frequently it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be required at all. The best way to know for certain is to have your ducts tested. An accredited contractor can use special testing methods to measure the amount of particulates within your ductwork, and will recommend the suitable cleaning schedules based upon your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial element of the system. It needs to operate properly to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating in the way it should, it can affect your productivity and cause the equipment to shut down. Preventive maintenance can help spot minor issues early, preventing excessive downtime. Performing these routine checks can also help you save money by ensuring that your equipment is in good working order for as long as it is possible.
The most common indication of a problem with a compressor is a decrease in cooling capacity, although this could be caused by various factors. A compressor could be working too hard due to inadequate airflow. This could cause bearings to wear down and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. A blocked air filter is another frequent problem. If the filter is blocked it could reduce the airflow to the compressor and cause overheating. To avoid this, it is important to clean or change the filters regularly based on the recommendations of the manufacturer.
In addition, a clogged filter may also cause rattling noises in the compressor. This could mean that the bearings are worn out and must be replaced. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is a good idea. A belt or pulley that is loose can cause slippage and cause compressor overheating and other issues. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This will remove the accumulated moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will check for leaks in the hoses, and an adequate seal around the pressure sensor and compressor.
Lastly, a puddle of water near the compressor could be an indication of a refrigerant leak. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed right away. If you suspect there is a leak, switch off the air compressor and contact an expert.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is kind of like the boss of your entire HVAC system, so it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing a technician will inspect when a problem arises. It’s also among the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, but a properly maintained thermostat is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s optimal operation. Check your thermostat if notice incorrect temperature readings, ineffective controls or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can become dirty over time, which can cause the thermostat to display inaccurately. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly by using a separate thermometer can help you avoid these problems and conserve energy.
A faulty sensor or calibration may result in your system constantly turning on and off, which is referred to as short cycling. This can negatively impact your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately, these issues can often be fixed with simply replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting its breakers.
Make sure you check the breakers on both your HVAC equipment and thermostat if your system doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, you will need to reset it in order for your thermostat to be able to communicate with the system.
Examine your thermostat for signs of wear and tear. Examine for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat isn’t excessively exposed to the sun. Finally, the fan blades must be inspected for any indications of rust or damage. These simple checks can prevent expensive repairs in the future, and ensure your equipment is running as smoothly as it can.
Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent way to cut down on the cost of energy, maintain comfort, and extend the longevity of your heating and cooling equipment. You can keep your building at all times comfortable by identifying problems with your thermostat, then resetting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Make sure that should you encounter any other issues, or are unsure of the issue, always call in a professional.
